By all accounts, Jim Grabowski has been a valued employee of the City of Elmhurst and member of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECCI), and now that he retired earlier this month, the ECCI is honoring him at its annual golf outing fundraiser—Networking on the 9s, with the 2026 Good Works Award.
In addition to serving as the Elmhurst city manager for 15 years, Grabowski was also involved as an ex-officio member of the ECCI Board of Directors, ECCI President and CEO Jennifer Veremis explained.
In a release about the golf outing, she stated that “Jim has always been someone the chamber can count on. Whether serving our board, supporting chamber events or participating in the annual golf outing, he leads by example.”
Veremis said Grabowski was chosen by the chamber’s golf outing committee, based on a number of criteria such as philanthropic and committee involvement, and also for his “impact on the business community.”
She related how he was always in attendance at chamber events, where “he’s been a known face there.”
“The businesses appreciate his presence,” she added.
The ECCI itself was founded in 1918, according to Veremis, and the annual Network on the 9s is now in its 78th year.
The Good Works Award was first handed out in 2000, in memory of former chamber President A.J. “Toche” Terrones, who “led the chamber for nearly a decade before his death,” according to Veremis.
“Grabowski joined the City of Elmhurst in July 2011, becoming only the third city manager in the city’s history since 1953. Throughout his career, Grabowski has played a pivotal role in shaping Elmhurst’s continued success,” Veremis said. “Since becoming city manager, he has guided the city through a period of strategic growth, financial stability and major community investments while building strong partnerships among residents, businesses, elected officials and community organizations across DuPage County.”
“We just thought this was a perfect time to honor all his contributions to the chamber of commerce,” she reiterated. “As an avid golfer, it’s especially fitting that we recognize him at one of our signature events.”
“Jim has served Elmhurst with integrity, professionalism and a steady commitment to the best interests of our community,” Mayor Scott Levin said in a City of Elmhurst statement. “We are deeply grateful for his leadership and the many contributions he has made during his more than 15 years as city manager.”
Networking on the 9s will be held at Sugar Creek Golf Course, 500 E. Van Buren St., Villa Park, on Friday, Sept. 18, with a maximum field of 72 golfers teeing off in a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
Awards will be given out from 3:30-5 p.m.
The fee is $99 for a single golfer, $360 for a foursome and $25 for a lunch networking ticket.
Visit elmhurstchamber.org and click on the “For Members” link to the golf outing, which also includes sponsorship information.
The deadline for inclusion in printed golf outing sponsor materials is Friday, Sept. 4.
Past recipients of the Good Works Award
Kevin Kost (2025) of Edward Jones Investments, Eva Sanchez (2024) of See Your House Right Here, the late Gregg Markiewicz (2023) of The Stevens Group, Cathy Bajkowski (2022 and 2011) of CB Health Insurance, the Elmhurst Park District (2021), Elmhurst University (2020), Elmhurst Jaycees (2019), President Dan Roesch and Partner/General Manager Paul Koch (2018) of Larry Roesch Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM, Senior Vice President Ken Bartels (2017) of Community Bank of Elmhurst, the late Dare Messina (2016) of L.W. Reedy Real Estate, Pete DiCianni (2015) of DiCianni Graphics, William “Bill” Gooch Jr. (2014), Scott Levin (2013), Barb Savage (2012), Julie Miller (2010), Ralph Pechanio (2009), Frank Vitelli (2008), Paul DeMichele (2007), Jerry Sletten (2006), Frank Catalano Jr. and Debra Klosterman (2005), Howard Schreiber (2004), John Wartinbee (2003), Mayor Thomas D. Marcucci (2002), Betsy Hanisch (2001) and Tom Coffey (2000).
